Activism matters. Your voice matters. Standing up for what you believe in matters.

I used to view activism, marching, picketing and petitioning as things you just saw on T.V. as a child. Things that people who went to Woodstock in the sixties and seventies did, To make a scene, to follow a trend and to fight against the man.

Credit: LIFE Magazine

But now, as an adult, a contributing member to society, a working U.S. citizen and a future mama - there are so many things that matter. So many issues at hand that we, our nation and nations beyond us deal with everyday. Issues that need voices, that need to be spoken about. And there are people, animals, places in this world that can't speak for themselves, making it not just important, but VITAL, that we do.

There are many issues I'm passionate about - and I don't need to go into all of that here, but one thing that really moved me, in a very negative way, was the Yulin Dog Festival that takes place each year in China. I understand that each country has their beliefs and their traditions - but this particular and horrific act against helpless animals caused so much sadness and rage inside me - I finally understood what it takes for someone to want to picket, to fight and to make a change.

Being so far away from what was going on, I did what I could. I signed every petition. Sent letters to the President of China and any government official who could be part of the decision making. Because of the state of our broken world - we could not spare the animals, but I did see today that one of the companies that put one of the petitions into place was able to rescue 1,000 dogs! That's 1,000 lives that were saved. 1,000 little faces that didn't have to endure that pain or lose their lives that day.

And it's moments and victories such as that that show me, our voices matter, our passion to help just one can do more than we could imagine.

So keep talking, keep fighting, keep winning. For even a small victory is a victory to the one(s) you're helping. You can thank and support Duo Duo - the company that succeeded in saving the dogs here.

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Nosh & Nurture was born of this journey I am on to better the health of myself, my family and those around me. What started as a simple compilation of recipes has grown to a all-around lifestyle journal with ways to incorporate organic products into your home, pantry and beauty cabinet. I also include stories on pregnancy, new motherhood, travel, Proverbs 31 marriage, and spiritual health, as I am a Christian who couldn't do any of this without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. For more of my story you can click here.

All recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free with a lot of soy-free, grain-free, sugar-free options.

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